Foodie Travel Guide: 8 Cities Where You Can Dine Like a King

From life-changing Asian fusion to downhome comfort eats to some of the most innovative and creative food trucks in the world, America has a food scene that’s nothing short of mouth-watering. Some places feature well-established eateries while others are brimming with under the radar restaurants. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something tasty in these ten cities, which all feature cuisine that’s as Instagrammably fun as it is delicious. Bon appetit! 

Portland, ME

Maine is more than just lobsters, lighthouses, and Stephen King plot points. Thanks to upstart brew houses like Allagash and Bissell Brothers, Portland has a growing beer scene. Before you guzzle, stop in to the Eventide Oyster Co. to try any one of a dozen local slimy varieties, or try a famous lobster roll from Bite Into Maine Airstream or HighRoller, two of Portland’s most popular food trucks.

Boise, ID

SPOILER ALERT: Idaho’s state capital has a flavorful food scene that has nothing to do with potatoes. There are more than 30 wineries in the beautiful Snake River Valley, Split Rail being one of the most popular among the locals. You can stay the night at The Modern - a former horror movie-vibe hotel turned hip - and wake up to a delicious breakfast at Waffle Me Up, which is home to some of the best made-from-scratch dough, real Belgian sugar pearls, and nearly a dozen fresh toppings.

Austin, TX

If you want to knock out some classic Texas BBQ, hit up Franklin Barbecue, Lambert’s, or The Salt Lick. Feeling like some genuine Tex-Mex? Grab a breakfast taco from Papalote. And, if you’re feelin’ adventurous, Uchi has the best sushi in Texas. Likewise, don’t miss top picks from Ranch 616 to Kemuri Tatsu-ya and Loro when you’re not busy cruising around in a hearse on Haunted ATX’s ghost tours. There are more than 1,000 food trucks including Micklethwait Craft Meats (try the Frito pie) and Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts. Better loosen that belt, pardner.

Boston, MA

Try a taste of “Top Chef” with former competition star Carl Dooley’s French-inspired Season to Taste before visiting Yume Wo Katare for some world-class ramen dishes, O Ya for innovative sushi creations. Don’t neglect Toro, either, which has some of the best tapas in the Boston, too, making it hard to get a table. Mare is a must-visit as well.

Charleston, SC

In addition to the iconic S.C. spots such as Poogan’s Porch (known for their shrimp and grits) and Hominy Grill (she-crab soup), there are several new additions to the cuisine scene. The “farm to table” doesn’t get any better than places like FIG and The Ordinary. If you’ve got room left, try some whole-hog barbecue from Rodney Scott’s, winner of a James Beard Award and home to a cozy, rustic atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Magnolias also comes highly recommended for nouveau takes on classic Southern faves, and Hank’s serves up heaping portions of she-crab soup daily. Give Charleston Culinary Tours a call if you want to experience the best the city has to offer alongside a helpful guide, and enjoy a stop off at Church and Union - one of our favorite bars in the entire country.

Cleveland, OH

Some great food here in Cleveland. For starters, you can try Ninja City - a creative take on traditional Asian Cuisine that’s exactly as fun as it sounds. If you’ve got the means to cook yourself, don’t forget to check out the famous West Side Market for some of the freshest, most well-known ingredients in the city. Don’t worry, there are also more than a hundred ready-made treats for you to try. 

Dallas, TX

Just like its little brother, Austin, Dallas has one of the most up-and-coming food scenes in the country. Namo has been wowing patrons with its assortment of Japanese temaki (handrolls). Billy Can Can - the first project from restaurateur Tristan Simon’s hospitality group - has definitely help Dallas win the title of “Next Best New Food City” from GQ magazine.

Philadelphia, PA

Dalessandro’s has the best cheesesteaks. There, now that’s out of the way. But Philly also has amazing pasta fare at Le Virtu, a robust farm-to-table menu at Kensington Quarters, and delicious grilled fish kebabs at Suraya. New American brilliance is available at Square 1628, and Lacroix at The Rittenhouse even has offerings of seasonal popcorn.